How To Build Granite Porch Stairs

Granite porch stairs can bring a beautiful and distinctive look to the front of your home. In this video and guide, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates how to install granite porch stairs, offering expert insights into this home improvement project along the way.

Planning Your Granite Porch Stairs

Proper planning is important before construction. Before you can buy the granite, you need to know how much you need. Here’s how to determine that.

1. Measure the width of your porch to determine the center point.
2. Decide on the width of your granite steps–typically 4 feet, for a standard porch.
3. Determine your tread depth, which should be at least 11 inches.
4. Figure out how many steps you’ll need. Measure from the ground to your porch to determine the total rise. Aim for 7 inches per step.
5. Mark the area where you’ll be digging, adding a few extra inches on each side for support.

Then, selecting appropriate materials is key to building long-lasting granite stairs. Make sure that the granite is weather-resistant and matches the aesthetics of your home’s exterior.

• Granite: Choose high-quality, weather-resistant granite slabs.
• Crushed stone: Use 3/4-inch crushed stone for the base.
• Landscape fabric: Prevents stone dust from settling into the crushed stone base.
• Stone dust: This creates a smooth setting bed for the granite.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Make sure to have the following tools and materials:

• Wheelbarrow
• Pointed shovel
• Hand tamper or gas-powered jumping jack
• Wrecking bar
• Rubber mallet
• Sledgehammer (3-pound)
• Level (18-inch)
• 1/2-inch diameter by 18-inch long rebar pins
• Forklift (typically, you can rent these at home supply stores like Home Depot)
• Crushed stone
• Stone dust
• Granite steps
• Landscape fabric
• 4 by 4-foot wood boards

Preparing the Site for Building Stairs

Proper site preparation is key for stable and long-lasting granite stairs. Begin by excavating the area, following these steps:

1. Dig out the marked area to a depth of about 24 inches.
2. Continue digging until you reach well-draining soil, which may be deeper than 24 inches in some cases.
3. Confirm the bottom of the excavation is level and compacted.

Creating a Solid Foundation

A strong foundation prevents settling and shifting, while a crushed stone base provides drainage and stability.

1. Add a 4-inch layer of crushed stone to the excavated area.
2. Spread the stone evenly with a shovel.
3. Compact the stone using a hand tamper or gas-powered jumping jack.
4. Repeat the process, adding and compacting 4-inch layers until you have filled the hole.

Installing the Base for Granite Steps

A proper base provides support for the weight of granite steps. Landscape fabric plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of your base:

1. Cover the compacted stone base with landscape fabric.
2. Make sure the fabric extends beyond the edges of the excavated area.
3. Overlap any seams by at least 6 inches to prevent stone dust from seeping through.

Next, you’ll layer on stone dust to create a smooth, level surface for setting the granite:

1. Spread about 2 inches of stone dust over the landscape fabric.
2. Use a rake to distribute the stone dust evenly.
3. Compact the stone dust with a hand tamper.
4. Confirm that the stone dust is slightly higher at the back to provide a proper pitch for water runoff.

Setting the Granite Steps

With the base prepared, it’s time to install the granite steps.

Positioning the First Step

Careful placement of the first step sets the foundation for the entire staircase:

1. Use 4 by 4-foot boards as temporary supports to help position the first granite step.
2. Carefully lower the step into place using a forklift or other heavy-lifting equipment.
3. Remove the 4-by-4-foot supports using a long pry bar and a third 4-by-4-foot support as a fulcrum.
4. Check that the step is centered and at the correct distance from the porch.

Correctly positioning the first step is critical as it affects the alignment of subsequent steps. Confirm that the step is level and stable before proceeding.

Installing Granite Cheeks

Granite cheeks, or fillers, provide support and a finished look:

1. Install short granite fillers between the rear of the step and the porch.
2. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the cheeks into place.
3. Fill the space behind the step and between the cheeks with crushed stone.
4. Compact the stone and cover it with landscape fabric and stone dust.

Adding Subsequent Steps

Continue the process for additional steps:

1. Prepare the base for the next step as you did for the first.
2. Position and lower the next granite step into place.
3. Check the pitch of each step with an 18-inch level, ensuring a slight downward slope away from the house.
4. Repeat the process for any remaining steps.

Proper alignment and pitch for each step provide water runoff and a uniform appearance. Precision in this phase prevents future issues with water drainage or uneven steps.

Finishing Touches for Your Granite Porch Stairs

Completing your granite porch stairs with these final steps grants stability and a polished appearance. To prevent shifting and movement:

1. Drive 1/2-inch diameter by 18-inch long rebar pins alongside each granite cheek.
2. Leave about 2 inches of each pin protruding from the ground.
3. These pins will help anchor the steps and prevent lateral movement.

Grading and Landscaping

Proper grading around your new stairs is important for drainage:

1. Add soil around the sides of the stairs to create a smooth transition to the surrounding landscape.
2. Make sure the soil slopes away from the stairs and your home’s foundation.
3. Consider adding plants or mulch to enhance the appearance of your new granite steps.

Proper grading helps channel water away from stairs, which is vital to avoid erosion or water damage. Landscaping adds visual appeal.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Granite Porch Stairs

Proper maintenance will keep your granite porch stairs looking beautiful for years. Keep your stairs clean by sweeping debris regularly to prevent scratching. Wash the steps periodically with mild soap and water, while avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the granite surface.

Sealing the Granite

Protect your investment by sealing the granite, applying a granite sealer annually or as recommended by the manufacturer. Choose a sealer specifically designed for outdoor use on granite. Follow the application instructions carefully for the best results.

Our Conclusion

Building granite porch stairs is a significant project that significantly enhances your home’s curb appeal and functionality. While it requires careful planning and some heavy lifting, the result is a durable, elegant entrance that will last for decades.